NOMINATIONS to honour some of the selfless volunteers that give up their time for York causes have been flooding into The Press office.

Among the names is Paddy Gibson, 83, who serves up perfect porridge and toast at Carecent on Thursdays - a breakfast centre for homeless, unemployed or otherwise socially excluded members of the community.

He was nominated by fellow members of the Thursday team at the Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate.

Project leader Nicola Gladstone said: "Paddy is our longest-serving volunteer, He has worked at Carecent for18 years.

"He is the cornerstone of our Thursday team, arriving before anyone else, and is the last to leave. During our sessions he makes sure we never run out of toast, and his porridge is second to none. As well as this Paddy is very active in his church and local community in Heworth."

Mr Gibson said: "I was approached by someone at the church and asked if I wanted to volunteer when I retired in 1999. I did it from a Christian point of view but found I really enjoy it. About 30 people go to the centre for breakfast."

Another church-related pension-aged volunteer is Beryl Johnson, 74, who is an "unsung hero" at St Edward the Confessor's Church in Dringhouses.

She was nominated by Rachel Holmes, who said: "Her commitment to the church and volunteering is amazing - helping to raise the money to update and renovate the Community Hall by helping with the regular, weekly lunches and other functions organised at the church.

"She has been organising the tea and coffee rota for years and has been a member of the church for over 50 years."

A singing group in York that raises hundreds of pounds for charity every year by performing 50 shows with a smile is also a contender.

Nominator Valerie Garlick said: "Every penny they earn is for charity so over the years they have donated thousands of pounds. They carry on singing their hearts out to give pleasure."

The Community Pride Awards are run by The Press in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in the City of York Council area. Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, Entries can be submitted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.

You can also nominate online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride.The closing date is this Friday, July 21.